Parry taking nothing for granted

Stephen Parry has, in many ways, taken the less-travelled route to an England debut.

At 28, for example, his development on the fringes of the international reckoning over the past few years is probably not exactly what the England and Wales Cricket Board had in mind for those who will benefit from Andy Flower's tutelage in his new guise as technical director of elite coaching.

Flower, who has taken on the new role just over a month after his resignation as team director, is thought more likely to be taking late teens and early twentysomethings under his wing to help them realise their potential.

Lancashire slow left-armer Parry was already a little older than that by the time he reached the England Lions and Performance Programme stage.

Yet it was all the sweeter when he wasted no time on debut, against West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, taking three for 32 and finishing with a man-of-the-match award in a one-day international series-levelling victory.

"As you get a bit older, you realise how lucky you are," said Parry.

"When you're 22 or 23 you....don't think about it too much.

"As you get older it starts meaning more to you, and you realise that perhaps your career is not that long."

Nikita Miller is Parry's opposite number in the Windies line-up, and he too has had to wait for his opportunities at international level.

He was not involved in West Indies' opening victory, but took two for 28 in his full 10 overs in the latest match - and delights in his role bowling in tandem with skilful and unconventional off-spinner Sunil Narine.

He said: "It's brilliant. He's a guy who keeps things tight, is very attacking and gets wickets.

"It's always a good feeling bowling with him.

"I'm the person who blocks up one end....so it's a good combination.

"So far, it's paying off for the team. I've been getting a few wickets as well, so we hope we can continue in that vein."

Miller is confident West Indies can clinch the series after all in Wednesday's decider.

He added: "We've looked at the mistakes we made in the last game....and stuff we can improve on.

"Once we get runs the board, and put England under a bit of pressure earlier in the game, we stand a good chance on Wednesday.

"We're playing international cricket, and they're formidable opponents - a very good team, ahead of us in the rankings.